Four Scriptures For Calling Out The Called

A part of our purpose is to embolden pastors to "Call out the Called." In an effort to bridge the gap in today's ministry pipeline, our desire is to encourage and inspire pastors to pray for harvest workers and regularly preach calling messages. The local church plays a vital role in helping people recognize and respond to God's call. A sermon, a conversation, or a simple word of encouragement may be what God uses to stir someone toward ministry and service.

We believe pastors can help create a culture where calling is talked about often, prayed over intentionally, and encouraged openly. When people are invited to consider how God might use their gifts, experiences, and passions, they may begin to see possibilities they had never considered before.

Here are four foundational Scriptures to stir hearts and serve as invitations to respond:

  • "When he saw the crowds, he felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and dejected, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few. Therefore, pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest."

    TEXTUAL IDEA:

    Jesus' compassion for the shepherdless crowds moved him to command his disciples to pray the Lord of the harvest to thrust out workers.

    MAIN IDEA/PROPOSITION:

    How does Christ's compassion reshape our response to a shepherdless world?

    • We see the crowds with the compassion of Christ (v.36)

    • We assess the harvest field with the realism of Christ (v.37)

    • We answer the need with the prayer Christ commands (v.37)

    INVITATION:

    Remind listeners to see as Jesus saw, to feel as Jesus felt, to see the great need to share the gospel.

    Embolden listeners to respond by reflecting on the Scripture. The workers are few, are you praying?

    The harvest is abundant, how will you respond? Knowing the need, seeing the need, are you embracing the purpose God has for your life? God has a call on all our lives. What is your response, and how will you answer?

    PERSONAL CONNECTION POINTS:
    Share how your burden for the lost contributed to your call as part of your testimony.

  • "You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others also."

    TEXTUAL IDEA:

    Paul wrote to Timothy, be strong in grace and what he had heard from him, teach others also.

    MAIN IDEA/PROPOSITION:

    My goal for you today is to take hold of your responsibility as disciple makers to make a commitment to identify, encourage and invest in capable men and women to share the Gospel message.

    • Commit to be strong in grace found in Christ (v.1)

    • Commit to listen and study the Word (v.2)

    • Commit to faithful men who will teach others (v.2)

    INVITATION:

    Who is God calling in our midst today? Paul saw Timothy-who do you see God working in? Is there someone who needs to hear, "I see something in you"? Could that someone be you? Have you been found faithful? Is God calling you?

    PERSONAL CONNECTION POINTS:
    Explain how godly mentors invested in you and sharing "I see in you conversations."

  • "How, then, can they call on him they have not believed in? And how can they believe without hearing about him? And how can they hear without a preacher? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news."

    TEXTUAL IDEA:

    Today's text leads us to two questions: How can people come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ without someone telling them? And who is being sent to share the good news?

    MAIN IDEA/PROPOSITION:

    Every believer, man or woman has a calling to serve God with their life, so where is God calling you?

    • What is the Story God Wants You to Hear and Share? (v.14)

    • How Can God's Story Be Told without a Preacher? (v.14)

    • Who Is Going to Be Sent by God to Tell the Story? (v.15)

    INVITATION:

    Who will tell God's story and share the Gospel with those who need to hear it? If God is calling you-or someone you see-to preach, teach, or serve, today is the day to say yes.

    PERSONAL CONNECTION POINTS:
    Describe how you understood the realization there were individuals who would never hear the Word unless individuals like yourself were sent to preach.

  • "Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us?

    I said: Here I am. Send me."

    TEXTUAL IDEA:

    As Isaiah worshipped, he experienced an encounter with God and realized his sinfulness.

    The Lord cleansed him from his sin allowing him to clearly hear God's call.

    MAIN IDEA/PROPOSITION:

    My goal is to help you see several aspects of Isaiah's encounter with God so that you may discover your own God given calling.

    • Isaiah saw the Lord (v.1-4) (John 12:41)

    • Isaiah saw himself (v.5)

    • Isaiah experienced God's cleansing (v.6-7)

    • Isaiah responded by saying yes to God's call (v.8)

    INVITATION:

    God is still calling today! He calls every believer to sanctification and service (Eph 4:11-13).

    He calls some to ministry leadership. Is he calling you? Like Isaiah, you may not know the assignment, but you know the Lord Jesus. Would you say "yes" with Isaiah, "Here am I, send me!"

    PERSONAL CONNECTION POINTS:
    Share how you said, "yes" to the call before you accepted your assignment.